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The sunset spreads like a multi-colored quilt above the hills. Oranges, reds, yellows and patches of turquoise show the handiwork of their Maker. My husband is next to me. My tummy is full of delicious food. My eyes are feasting on beauty.
Yet in that moment I feel the wild ache that comes when we encounter what’s truly good. It’s as if so much is a reminder to my soul that this world is not enough.
Have you ever felt that way too? Maybe when you’ve seen extraordinary art, listened to astonishing music, shared a moment of intimacy with someone you love, enjoyed exquisite food, held a new baby, stood on the beach and listened to the waves.
I have this thought as I stand on the balcony watching the sun slip lower, “The Creator is better than anything He’s created.” God alone can satisfy us. Everything else, even the best gifts, bring with them a longing that we can’t name or explain. And it’s supposed to be that way.
When I taste a chocolate chip cookie I long for my Mom because she often made them for us during my childhood.
When I smell a certain perfume I long for my friends from college because that scent takes me back to the days we spent laughing together.
When I hear the coo of a dove from a branch, I long for my Grandma because as a child I woke up to the sound of those birds when I stayed with her.
It would be foolish to think that cookies or perfume or a dove could replace those people. But all of those grab hold of my heart and remind me, “This is who you love.” It is the same with God’s gifts—they make us homesick for the Giver. This is wonderful and a little painful and always mysterious.
An early evening hush falls over the landscape in front of me. Cicadas sing, trees swish and my heart fills with praise. All of this goodness has fulfilled its purpose: it has reminded me of the One who is best of all.
I close my eyes and whisper two phrases, the only ones I seem to know how to speak into that longing: “Thank you” and “More, please.”
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Welcome to the Coffee for Your Heart weekly link-up! You’re an encourager so I’m asking you to pour out a little love with your words every Wednesday {link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? You can still write an encouraging comment. If you’re reading this by email, go to holleygerth.com to see all the fun and join in too.
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I’m having Coffee For Your Heart with my friend Holley Gerth
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